Vehicle cover and integrated security system

ABSTRACT

A system includes a vehicle cover, a mechanical tensioning device, a memory device, storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of a method to secure a vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include attachment means to attach the device to a wheel of the vehicle and means to attach a security cable of the vehicle cover integrated into a bottom edge of the vehicle cover to the mechanical tensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device may include a rotational reel connected to either a tensioning motor or a tensioning crank and optionally including either a mechanical bi-stable device or one or more sensors configured to monitor the tension of the security cable when engaged to the mechanical tensioning device. The processor may monitor for a change in tension and execute one or more security measures in response.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of, andclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/001,923 filed onAug. 25, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/933,623 filed on Nov.11, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/970,805 filed on Feb.6, 2020, the entireties of which are incorporated herein as if fully setforth below.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an integrated vehicle cover andsecurity system, and more particularly a vehicle cover having areinforced material and a mechanical tensioning device configured tosecure the vehicle cover and provide increased security from potentialtheft and protection against the natural elements.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle covers are known to be an effective solution for protecting avehicle from the elements. However, traditional vehicle covers areineffective at preventing unauthorized tampering with a vehicle becausevehicle covers provide little to no security from unwanted access to thevehicle.

The present invention is aimed at improving the security that isprovided by traditional vehicle covers with a reinforced vehicle coverthat is fastened by a tensioning device that securely fastens to thevehicle and secures the vehicle cover to the vehicle. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure are directed to this and other considerations.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments provide an integrated vehicle cover and securitysystem for securely fastening a tamper-resistant vehicle cover to avehicle with a mechanical tensioning device. The vehicle cover may bemade of a reinforced material, such as Kevlar or a similar material, ormay include fibers reinforced with metal. The vehicle cover mayadditionally include a security cable made of cut and tamper-resistantmaterial that is woven into a bottom edge of the vehicle cover. Whenplaced over a vehicle, the bottom edge of the cover and security cablemay surround a body of the vehicle with both ends of the security cableaffixed to a mechanical tensioning device. When the mechanicaltensioning device tensions the security cable, it securely fastens thecover to the vehicle to provide protection from the natural elements anda tamper-resistant layer of protection to prevent unwanted tamperingwith the vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include aplurality of wheel attachment arms to securely fasten the device to awheel of the vehicle, although other attachments means that securely andconveniently fasten the mechanical tensioning device to a vehicle arecontemplated. The mechanical tensioning device may additionally havecable attachment points for quickly receiving and fastening the firstand second ends of the security cable to the device. Further, themechanical tensioning device may include at least one rotational reelassembly onto which the device may wind the respective ends of thesecurity cable to tension the vehicle cover securely to the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may be coupled toone or more tensioning motors configured to apply tension to thesecurity cable and wind the first and second ends of the security cableat least partly into the at least one rotational reel assembly. Themechanical tensioning device may also include a load sensor that maymonitor the tension being applied to the security cable. The mechanicaltensioning device may additionally include a vibration sensor that maydetect excessive shaking indicative of tampering with the mechanicaltensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device may additionallyinclude one or more processors and memory in communication with theprocessors configured to cause the integrated security system to performone or more steps of a method. For example, the processor(s) and memorymay enable Internet of Things (IoT) technology to be incorporated intothe device to provide remote control, monitoring, and/or alarmfunctionality for the integrated vehicle cover and security system.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may include theload and/or vibration sensors along with a manual tensioning crank formanual tensioning of the security cable of the vehicle cover to themechanical tensioning device. The load sensor may provide an indicationto the user of the vehicle cover when a predetermined tension has beenplaced on the security cable to securely affix the vehicle cover to themechanical tensioning device. As described herein, the load sensor maymonitor for a change in tension indicative of tampering with theintegrated security system and/or the vibration sensor may monitor fortampering with the mechanical tensioning device. In response todetecting potential tampering, a processor and memory may enable IoTtechnology for providing remote control, monitoring, and/or alarmfunctionality for the integrated security system.

In another embodiment, a fully mechanical integrated vehicle cover andsecurity system may include a reinforced vehicle cover having a securitycable integrated into the bottom edge of the vehicle cover andconfigured to be fastened to a mechanical tensioning device. Themechanical tensioning device may be fastened to a wheel of the vehicleby one or more attachment arms, and the security cable may be wound intoat least one rotational reel by applying rotational tension force to themechanical tensioning device with the tensioning crank. When apredetermined tension is reached, a tactile indication may be providedto a user of the mechanical tensioning device. The tensioned device andvehicle security cover may provide improved protection from the naturalelements and provide a tamper-resistant solution to dissuade potentialtampering when a vehicle is left unattended.

In another embodiment, an integrated vehicle cover and security systemfor securely fastening a tamper-resistant vehicle cover to a vehiclewith a mechanical tensioning device is disclosed. The mechanicaltensioning device may include a plurality a wheel attachment loops tosecurely fasten the device to a wheel of the vehicle. The mechanicaltensioning device may have cable attachment points for receiving andfastening the first and second ends of the security cable to the device.Further, the mechanical tensioning device may include at least onesprocket wheel, and a tensioning motor configured to apply a rotationalforce to the first sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel may be coupled toa drive chain configured to convert the rotational force into a linearforce and apply the linear force to the first end of the security cable.When the first end of the security cable is attached to a first cableattachment point and the second end of the security cable is attached toa second cable attachment point the first end of the security cable maybe at least partially drawn into the mechanical tensioning device underthe influence of the linear force applied to the first end of thesecurity cable. The drive chain may be linked to the first cableattachment point by a linking member, and the linking member may includea load sensor configured to monitor the tension placed on the securitycable. The mechanical tensioning device may additionally include avibration sensor that may detect excessive shaking indicative oftampering with the mechanical tensioning device. The mechanicaltensioning device may additionally include one or more processors andmemory in communication with the processors configured to cause theintegrated security system to perform one or more steps of a method. Forexample, the processor(s) and memory may enable Internet of Things (IoT)technology to be incorporated into the device to provide remote control,monitoring, and/or alarm functionality for the integrated vehicle coverand security system.

In another embodiment, the mechanical tensioning device may include theload and/or vibration sensors along with a manual tensioning crank formanual tensioning of the security cable of the vehicle cover to themechanical tensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device mayinclude a fixed cable attachment point configured to engage the secondend of the security cable and a cable shuttle configured to engage thefirst end of the security cable. The cable shuttle may be engaged to ashuttle track disposed within the mechanical tensioning device. Thetensioning crank may be connected to the first sprocket wheel and may beconfigured to apply a rotational force to the first sprocket wheel. Themechanical tensioning device may include a drive chain engaged to thefirst sprocket wheel and configured to convert the rotational force intoa linear force and apply the linear force to the cable shuttle via alinking member. The linking member may include a load sensor disposed onthe linking member that is configured to monitor the tension placed onthe security cable. As described herein, the load sensor may monitor fora change in tension indicative of tampering with the integrated securitysystem and/or the vibration sensor may monitor for tampering with themechanical tensioning device. In response to detecting potentialtampering, a processor and memory may enable IoT technology forproviding remote control, monitoring, and/or alarm functionality for theintegrated security system.

In another embodiment, a fully mechanical integrated vehicle cover andsecurity system may include a reinforced vehicle cover having a securitycable integrated into the bottom edge of the vehicle cover andconfigured to be fastened to a mechanical tensioning device. Themechanical tensioning device may be fastened to a wheel of the vehicleusing a plurality of wheel attachment loops, and may include atensioning crank connected to a sprocket wheel and configured to apply arotational force to the sprocket wheel. The mechanical tensioning devicemay include a drive chain engaged to the sprocket wheel configured toconvert the rotational force into a linear force. The drive chain may beconnected to a cable shuttle with a linking member, and the drive chainmay apply the linear force to the cable shuttle via the linking memberto tension the security cable such that the cable shuttle is at leastpartially drawn into the mechanical tensioning device along the shuttletrack. The mechanical tensioning device may also include a mechanicalbi-stable device disposed on the linking member and configured toprovide a tactile indication when the security cable is has beentensioned to a predetermined tension.

In another embodiment, a binding device with no moving parts may be usedwhich may include a notch for the engagement of the second end of thesecurity cable. The first end of the security cable will then be drawntight, securing the cover, and then fed through a hole in the bindingdevice and all the slack removed from the security cable. The first endof the security cable will then be wrapped around the end of the bindingdevice engaging a ‘V’ notch in the end of the device. Further drawingthe security cable down through the device binds the security cable inplace by generating friction between the incoming first end of thesecurity cable and the free end. The binding device is constructed suchthat it may be applied in both a left handed and right handed manner.

Further features of the disclosed design, and the advantages offeredthereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference tospecific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are indicated by like reference designators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and which are incorporated into andconstitute a portion of this disclosure, illustrate variousimplementations and aspects of the disclosed technology and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosedtechnology. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1C show an example embodiments of a vehicle cover according toexemplary implementations of the disclosed technology;

FIGS. 2A-2C depict example embodiments of a mechanical tensioning deviceaccording to exemplary implementations of the disclosed technology;

FIGS. 3A-3B depict example embodiments of the mechanical tensioningdevice mounted to a vehicle wheel according to exemplary implementationsof the disclosed technology;

FIGS. 4A-4B depicts the tensioning of the security cable component of anexemplary vehicle cover into a single rotational reel and dualrotational reels, according to exemplary implementations of thedisclosed technology;

FIG. 5 depicts a computing system architecture according to an exemplaryimplementation of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for an exemplary method of operation of theintegrated vehicle cover and security system;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for an exemplary method for executing one or moresecurity measures;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for another exemplary method of operation of theintegrated vehicle cover and security system;

FIG. 9 depicts an example embodiment of a mechanical tensioning deviceaccording to exemplary implementations of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 10 depicts an example embodiment of a security cable attachmentpoint for tensioning a security cable component of an exemplary vehiclecover to the mechanical tensioning device, according to exemplaryimplementations of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 11 depicts an example embodiment of a linear shuttle for tensioninga security cable component of an exemplary vehicle cover to themechanical tensioning device, according to exemplary implementations ofthe disclosed technology;

FIG. 12 depicts an interior view of an example embodiment of amechanical tensioning device according to exemplary implementations ofthe disclosed technology;

FIGS. 13A-13B depict an example embodiment of a load sensing device fordetecting tension in a security cable component of an exemplary vehiclecover when attached to the mechanical tensioning device, according toexemplary implementations of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for another exemplary method of operation of theintegrated vehicle cover and security system;

FIG. 15A-15E depict a binding device with no moving parts for securing asecurity cable and fastening a vehicle cover to a vehicle, according toexemplary implementations of the disclosed technology; and

FIG. 16 depicts a side-profile cross-sectional view of the bindingdevice and security cable in a secured configuration, according toexemplary implementations of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thedisclosed technology, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and disclosed herein. Wherever convenient, thesame reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer tothe same or like parts.

FIGS. 1A-1B shows an example of a vehicle cover 100 according toexemplary implementations of the disclosed technology. The vehicle cover100 may offer two main features that provide security enhancements overtraditional vehicle covers. First, the vehicle cover 100 may bereinforced with tamper resistant materials, for example, Kevlar or othersimilar synthetic fibers that provide enhanced cut and tear resistance.In some embodiments, the material of the vehicle cover may includeinterwoven metal fibers to increase the tamper resistance of thematerial. Second, the vehicle cover 100 may integrate a security cableinto its bottom edge such that, when the security cable is tightened,the bottom edge may be pulled tightly against a vehicle in a drawstringfashion.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the vehicle cover 100 may include a security cable102 integrated into the bottom edge of the vehicle cover 100. Accordingto some embodiments, security cable 102 may be attached to the bottomedge of vehicle cover 100 by one or more grommets. The security cable102 may include a convenient means of attachment to a mechanicaltensioning device 200 to hold the vehicle cover 100 tightly against avehicle 10 to provide protection from the natural elements and frompotential theft and tampering. For example, the security cable 102 maybe attached to the mechanical tensioning device 200 (e.g., at rotationalreels or another connection point thereof) by clips, clamps, hooks,carabiners, or other fasteners/connectors, each of which may beselectively lockable and permanent or semi-permanent (i.e., not readilyremoveable without the use of tools or chemicals. Alternatively, oradditionally, the security cable 102 may loop around part of themechanical tensioning device 200 (e.g., one or more of the rotationalreels) and self-adhere mechanically (e.g., via a knot) and/or chemicallyto attach to the mechanical tensioning device 200. In other embodiments,the ends of the security cable 102 may be male-type “keys” or “pins”that mate with female-type lock housings on the mechanical tensioningdevice 200 to having to keep additional connectors that may be detachedand lost over time. Alternatively, in further embodiments, the ends ofthe security cable 102 may be female-type lock housings configured toreceive “keys” or “pins” that extend from the body of the mechanicaltensioning device. In this manner, the jagged edges of the keys may bekept relatively stationary to avoid scratching the car as the ends ofthe security cable 102 are wrapped around the car. Regardless of thetype of connector, the security cable 102 may include a first end with afirst attachment means to couple to the mechanical tensioning device 200and a second end with a second attachment means to couple to themechanical tensioning device 200, as discussed in more detail withrespect to FIGS. 3-4. FIG. 1B depicts a detailed view of a circularsection of the vehicle cover 100 having reinforcement fibers 104, whichmay be interwoven into the fabric of vehicle cover 100. Thereinforcement fibers 104 may include synthetic materials, such asKevlar, or metallic based compounds for improving the cutting andtearing resistance of the given material. The vehicle cover 100 may bemade of or include any light weight, tear resistant material and mayhave advantageous properties, such as being resistant to dust and waterand providing a level of scratch resistance to the vehicle. Theseadvantageous properties of the vehicle cover 100, which may be tailoredto use with a particular vehicle or in a particular environment, may beachieved by combining layers of different materials (e.g., Kevlar fibersand/or metallic compounds), or in some embodiments, a homogenous fabric.Security cable 102 may include any elongated resilient element capableof withstanding tension and providing resistance to cutting and/ortearing.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the vehicle cover 100 may include a security cable102 integrated into the bottom edge of the vehicle cover 100. Ratherthan being secured to the vehicle cover 100 by grommets or otherattachment means, the security cable may be of unitary construction withthe vehicle cover 100 such that security cable 102 is sewn into thebottom edge of the vehicle cover 100. The security cable 102 may includea convenient means of attachment to a mechanical tensioning device 900to hold the vehicle cover 100 tightly against a vehicle 10 to provideprotection from the natural elements and from potential theft andtampering. The security cable 102 may be attached to the mechanicaltensioning device 900 (e.g., at first and second cable attachmentpoints) by clips, clamps, hooks, carabiners, or otherfasteners/connectors, each of which may be selectively lockable andpermanent or semi-permanent. Alternatively, or additionally, thesecurity cable 102 may loop around part of the mechanical tensioningdevice 900 (e.g., around first and/or second cable attachment points)and self-adhere mechanically (e.g., via a knot) and/or chemically toattach to the mechanical tensioning device 900. In other embodiments,the ends of the security cable 102 may be male-type “keys” or “pins”that mate with female-type lock housings on the mechanical tensioningdevice 900 to having to keep additional connectors that may be detachedand lost over time. Alternatively, in further embodiments, the ends ofthe security cable 102 may be female-type lock housings configured toreceive “keys” or “pins” that extend from the body of the mechanicaltensioning device 900. In this manner, the jagged edges of the keys maybe kept relatively stationary to avoid scratching the car as the ends ofthe security cable 102 are wrapped around the car. Regardless of thetype of connector, the security cable 102 may include a first end with afirst attachment means to couple to the mechanical tensioning device 900and a second end with a second attachment means to couple to themechanical tensioning device 900, as discussed in more detail withrespect to FIGS. 9-12, and FIGS. 13A-13B.

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of the mechanical tensioning device200, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, themechanical tensioning device 200 may include a plurality of attachmentarms 202 for securely attaching the mechanical tensioning device 200 toa wheel of a vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device 200 may include alocking mechanism that prevents the removal of the mechanical tensioningdevice 200 from a wheel 12 of the vehicle 10 once the device has beensecurely attached in order to prevent tampering with the vehicle 10 orcomponents of the vehicle cover 100 or mechanical tensioning device 200.In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device 200 may include aspring (not shown) placed on one or more of the plurality of attachmentarms 202. The spring may provide a clamping force to help fasten themechanical tensioning device 200 to the wheel 12. In some embodiments,the locking mechanism preventing removal of the mechanical tensioning200 device may be provided by a combination of (i) the clamping force ofthe spring(s) of the attachment arm(s) 202 and (ii) tensioning of thesecurity cable 102. As described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2Cand FIG. 6, one or more sensors on the mechanical tensioning device 200may be configured to detect any tampering with the mechanical tensioningdevice 200.

FIG. 2B is an interior rear view of a portion of the mechanicaltensioning device 200. In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioningdevice 200 may include at least one rotational reel 204 which, whenwound, is configured to reel in excess slack of one or both ends of thesecurity cable 102 onto the respective rotational reel 204 until apredetermined tension is achieved to securely fasten the vehicle cover100 to the vehicle 10 via mechanical tensioning device 200, which alsosecurely fastens to the wheel of the vehicle. In some embodiments, themechanical tensioning device 200 may only have a single rotational reel,while in other embodiments, dual rotational reels may be provided. Insome embodiments, the rotational reel may be coupled to at least onetensioning motor 208. Numerous advantages may be provided by the use ofa dual rotational reel. While a single rotational reel may be more costeffective to produce, a single rotational reel may suffer from increasedfriction when tensioning the security cable 102 from a single point. Forexample, the security cable 102 may provide increased friction againstthe vehicle 10, especially as the security cable 102 tightens aroundcorners of the vehicle 10. However, using dual rotational reels enablesthe mechanical tensioning device 200 to apply tension from twodirections (e.g., at a point of attachment for each of the rotationalreels), thereby reducing friction of the security cable 102 and chancesof damage to the vehicle 10 associated with the security cable 102rubbing against the exterior of the vehicle 10.

Tensioning motor 208 can be any suitable electrical motor, including,for example, a 12 Volt DC 100-150 rpm motor. The tensioning motor 208can be coupled to a driving gear 206 to provide rotational force to theat least one rotational reel 204. In some embodiments, the driving gear206 may comprise a gearbox with a plurality of gears. The gears may beselected to provide the desired force from the tensioning motor 208 totension the security cable 102 to a desired tension. In someembodiments, tensioning motor 208 may comprise a manual winding crank(not shown) coupled to the rotational reel 204 by a driving gear 206 toallow a user to apply mechanical tension to the rotational reel 204 bywinding the crank. In embodiments including a tensioning crank, thetensioning crank may further include a mechanical device, such as abi-stable mechanical device, that is configured to provide feedback to auser of the manual winding crank when the desired tension has beenapplied to the security cable 102. In such embodiments, the bi-stablemechanical device may be configured to provide a “clicking” (e.g.,audible and/or tactile) feedback while the user of the mechanicaltensioning device 200 winds the tensioning crank. When the appropriatetension has been applied, the bi-stable mechanical device may disengagethe winding crank from applying torque to the security cable 102, forexample, by disengaging a clutch from the tensioning crank when apredetermined tension is reached.

FIG. 2C is a rear interior view of a mechanical tensioning device 200,according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the mechanicaltensioning device 200 may include three attachment arms 202 forattaching the device to the wheel 12 of the vehicle 10. While it iscontemplated that the mechanical tensioning device 200 may be attachedto any wheel 12 of the vehicle 10, in some embodiments it may beconfigured to be attached to a wheel on the side of the vehicle oppositetraffic should the vehicle pull off the road (e.g., generally on thepassenger side in the US) to increase safety during installation.Additionally, the mechanical tensioning device 200 may include tworotational reels 204, and two corresponding tensioning motors 208 anddriving gears 206. Additionally, in some embodiments, mechanicaltensioning device 200 may include a computing device 500 and a powersupply 560. In such embodiments, the computing device 500 may beconfigured to enable Internet of Things (IoT) technology to beincorporated into the mechanical tensioning device 200 to provide remotecontrol, monitoring, and/or alarm functionality for the integratedvehicle cover 100 and security system. Computing device 500 is discussedin further detail with respect to FIG. 5 and the various functionalitiesenabled by computing device 500 are discussed in further detail withrespect to FIGS. 6-8. In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioningdevice 200 may be fitted with one or more sensors. For example,mechanical tensioning device may include a load sensor (not shown)configured to monitor the tension placed on security cable 102. Inresponse to detecting a change in tension, the load sensor 210 may beconfigured to transmit a signal to computing device 500 to enable one ormore security actions (discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS.6-8). In some embodiments, the load sensor may comprise a limit switchin communication with each rotational reel 204 of mechanical tensioningdevice 200. When tension is applied to the security cable 102, therotational reel 204 may begin a rotational motion (e.g., as shown inmore detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B). Opposing the tensioning force,the rotational reel 204 may include a spring and tension adjustmentscrew that may provide an opposing force to the tensioning of thesecurity cable 102. When line tension is removed, the spring and tensionadjustment screw may hold the rotational reel 204 in a neutral positionuntil tension is applied to the security cable 102. When line tension isapplied and the rotational reel 204 begins to pivot, the rotational reel204 may make contact with the limit switch, indicating that apredetermined tension has been met. As long as tension remains in thesecurity cable 102, the limit switch will remain engaged. If tension isremoved from the security cable 102, the limit switch disengages andprovides feedback to the mechanical tensioning device that tension hasbeen lost. In some embodiments, the load sensor may comprise atraditional load cell which may continuously monitor the tension appliedto the security cable 102. In some embodiments, mechanical tensioningdevice 200 additionally include one or more vibration sensors (notshown) for detecting vibration of the security cable 102 and/ormechanical tensioning device 200 to help detect and respond to potentialtampering with the vehicle cover 100. The vibration sensor may beintegrated with the main circuit board of the mechanical tensioningdevice 200 (e.g., as shown in more detail with respect to FIG. 2C) andmay be capable of detecting excess vibration of the mechanicaltensioning device 200. The vibration sensor(s) may be a three-axisaccelerometer device. For example, the vibration sensor may beconfigured to detect certain acceleratory patterns, such as a rotationand/or free-fall motion. The vibration sensor may be configured todetect acceleration in any direction (e.g., an acceleration verticallyup or down, side to side, forwards or backwards, or any combinationthereof). Because the mechanical tensioning device 200 may be detachablyconnected to the wheel 12 of vehicle 10, smaller vibrations that are notindicative of tampering (e.g., vibrations caused by wind) may befiltered out such that only significant vibrations will cause the wheel12 and/or the mechanical tensioning device 200 to vibrate sufficientlyto be detected by the vibration sensor. In some embodiments, asensitivity of the vibration sensor may be adjustable by the end-user(e.g., via computing device 500, as discussed in more detail withrespect to FIGS. 5-6) and/or a third-party source (e.g., with feedbackfrom other users, weather data, etc.) in order to minimize falsepositive tampering events.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of mechanical tensioning device 200attached to a vehicle wheel 12, according to an exemplary embodiment. Asdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C, mechanical tensioning device 200may include a plurality of attachment arms 202 for securely attachingthe device to a wheel of a vehicle. Additionally, the mechanicaltensioning device may include a tamper proof housing 220 to securelyhouse all the integrated components of the mechanical tensioning device200 on the inside of the tamper proof housing 220. The tamper proofhousing 220 may include a plurality of access screws allowing access tothe internal components of the mechanical tensioning device 200 onlywhen the mechanical tensioning device 200 is not securely attached to avehicle 10. For example, when the mechanical tensioning device 200 issecurely attached to the vehicle 10, the plurality of access screws maybe inaccessible to a user of the mechanical tensioning device 200.

FIG. 3B is a front interview view of the mechanical tensioning device200 attached to the vehicle wheel 12, according to an exemplaryembodiment. As discussed previously, mechanical tensioning device 200may include at least one rotational reel 204, at least one driving gear206, and at least one tensioning motor 208. In some embodiments,computing device 500 is provided to enable IoT functionality ofmechanical tensioning device 200. In some embodiments, the mechanicaltensioning device 200 may be both electronically wound and monitored. Insome embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device 200 may be manuallywound and electronically monitored. Finally, in some embodiments, afully manual mechanical tensioning device 200 is provided. Advantages ofthe fully electronic configuration of the mechanical tensioning device200 may include increased ease of use for the end-user and improvedsecurity. For example, security may be improved because the mechanicaltensioning device 200 is both electronically monitored and wound. Beinga fully manual system may significantly reduce its price point with mostof the added security of the fully electronic embodiment retained.Further, being a hybrid system (e.g., electronically monitored butmechanically wound) may advantageously decrease costs compared to thefully electronic embodiment, with the added benefit of providing most ofthe security features of the fully electronic configuration.

FIGS. 4A-4B depicts the tensioning of the security cable 102 of thevehicle cover 100 into a single rotational reel (FIG. 4A) and dualrotational reels (FIG. 4B), according to exemplary implementations ofthe disclosed technology. In FIG. 4A, a single rotational reel 204 isdepicted. With a single rotational reel 204, the mechanical tensioningdevice 200 may receive first (e.g., left) and second (e.g., right) endsof the security cable 102, with the rotational reel 204 positioned inbetween the respective ends of the security cable 102. When therotational reel 204 is spun by, for example, tensioning motor 208, therotational reel 204 may rotate in the driving direction of tensioningmotor 208 (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) and wind the respectivefirst end and second end of security cable 102 around the rotationalreel 204. Advantageously in certain situations, a single rotational reelmay save valuable space and allow the mechanical tensioning device 200to be physically smaller and more convenient to use and store for theend user when compared to the dual rotational reel embodiment.

Conversely, FIG. 4B depicts how dual rotational reels 204 may operatewhen coupled to a single shared tensioning motor 208. As shown in FIG.4B, the longitudinal axis of the rotational reels 204 may be positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the securitycable 102. In this embodiment, the output of the tensioning motor 208may be coupled rotational to at least one of rotational reels 204. Therotational reels 204 may be connected to security cable 102 in such away to draw in the ends of the security cable 102 like a drawstring. Thedual rotational reel embodiment may include several advantages over thesingle rotational reel embodiment. For example, a dual rotational reelmay take in slack from the security cable 102 from two oppositedirections simultaneously, decreasing the likelihood that the securitycable 102 may be incorrectly tensioned such that a portion of thesecurity cable 102 is tensioned more tightly than another portion of thesecurity cable 102. This may occur with use of the single rotationalreel embodiment as the security cable 102 may wrap around a front, rear,and sides of the vehicle 10, with each corner increasing the frictionassociated with tightening the security cable 102 to the predeterminedtension. Accordingly, monitoring tension of the security cable 102 maybe more difficult for the single rotational reel embodiment, because thedual rotational reel embodiment is associated with reduced friction onthe security cable 102 when the mechanical tensioning device 200 isbeing attached to the vehicle 10.

FIG. 5 provides an architectural diagram of the computing device 500,and implementations of the disclosed technology may include thecomputing device 500 with more or fewer components than those shown. Itwill be understood that the example diagram of computing device 500 isprovided for example purposes only and does not limit the scope of thevarious implementations of the present disclosed systems, methods, andcomputer-readable mediums. As shown, the computing device 500 mayinclude a central processing unit (CPU) 510 for processing computerinstructions and a display interface 540 that supports a graphical userinterface and provides functions for rendering video, graphics, images,and texts on the display. In an example implementation, displayinterface 540 may be configured for providing data, images, and otherinformation for an external/remote display that is not necessarilyphysically connected to the computing device 500 (e.g., by providing aremote graphical user interface to a user computing device via anapplication user interface over a network). In certain exampleimplementations, display interface 540 wirelessly communicates, forexample, via a Wi-Fi channel, Bluetooth connection, or other availablenetwork connection interface 550 to the external/remote display (e.g.,remote display 542).

The network may be of any suitable type, including individualconnections via the internet such as cellular or WiFi networks. In someembodiments, the network may connect the security system to externalcomponents using direct connections such as radio-frequencyidentification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth®, lowenergy Bluetooth® (BLE), WiFi™, ZigBee®, ambient backscattercommunications (ABC) protocols, USB, or LAN.

In an example implementation, network connection interface 550 may beconfigured as a wired or wireless communication interface and mayprovide functions for rendering video, graphics, images, text, otherinformation, or any combination thereof on the display. In one example,a communication interface may include a serial port, a parallel port, ageneral purpose input and output (GPIO) port, a game port, a universalserial bus (USB), a micro-USB port, a high definition multimedia (HDMI)port, a video port, another like communication interface, or anycombination thereof.

Computing device 500 may include an input/output interface 530 thatprovides a communication interface to one or more components ofmechanical tensioning device 200 and one or more user computing devices(e.g., in wireless communication with computing device 500 over anetwork). Computing device 500 may be configured to use one or moreinput components via one or more of input/output interfaces (forexample, input/output interface 530, remote display interface 542,network connection interface 550, a camera interface 570, etc.) to allowcomputing device architecture 500 to present information to a user andcapture information from the environment of the mechanical tensioningdevice 200 through information recorded by e.g., the camera integratedinto mechanical tensioning device 200, load sensor, and/or vibrationsensor. In some embodiments, user input 530 may be provided by anexternal component (e.g. a user computing device) via electroniccommunication over a wireless network.

In example implementations, network connection interface 550 may supporta wireless communication interface to a network. As mentioned above,input/output interface 530 may be in communication with networkconnection interface 550, for example, to receive instructions from theuser computing device via a network, thereby enabling communication withdevices that are not directly connected or attached to the system. Incertain implementations, camera interface 570 may be provided that actsas a communication interface and provides functions for capturingdigital images from a camera optionally integrated into mechanicaltensioning device 200 and providing this image, series of images, orvideo to the user computing device as part of a generated securitymeasure. According to example implementations, a random-access memory(RAM) 580 may be provided, where computer instructions and data may bestored in a volatile memory device for processing by the processor(s)510.

According to example implementations, computing device architecture 500may include a read-only memory (ROM) 582 where invariant low-levelsystem code or data for basic system functions such as basic input andoutput (I/O), startup, or reception of keystrokes from a keyboard may bestored in a non-volatile memory device. According to exampleimplementations, computing device 500 may include a storage medium 520or other suitable type of memory (e.g. such as RAM, ROM, programmableread-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magneticdisks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges,flash drives), for storing files including an operating system 522,application programs (including, for example, a web browser application,a widget or gadget engine, an application programming interface (API) tocommunicate with, for example, a user computing device, and or otherapplications, as necessary), executable instructions 524 (includingstored programs that enable various operations of the method, and datafiles 526, which may include image files captured by the integratedcamera of mechanical tensioning device 200. According to exampleimplementations, computing device architecture 500 may include a powersource 560 that may provide an appropriate alternating current (AC) ordirect current (DC) to power components.

According to an example implementation, processor 510 may haveappropriate structure to be a computer processor. In one arrangement,processor 510 may include more than one processing unit. RAM 580 mayinterface with a computer bus 290 to provide quick RAM storage to theprocessor 510 during the execution of software programs such as theoperating system, application programs, and device drivers. Morespecifically, processor 510 may load computer-executable process stepsfrom storage medium 520 or other media into a field of RAM 580 toexecute software programs. Data may be stored in RAM 580, where computerprocessor 510 may access data during execution. In one exampleconfiguration, and as will be understood by one of skill in the art,computing device 500 may include sufficient RAM and flash memory forcarrying out processes relating to the disclosed technology.

Storage medium 520 itself may include a number of physical drive units,such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy diskdrive, a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard disk drive,thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, a High-Density Digital Versatile Disc(HD-DVD) optical disc drive, an internal hard disk drive, a Blu-Rayoptical disc drive, or a Holographic Digital Data Storage (HDDS) opticaldisc drive, an external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM)synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), or an externalmicro-DIMM SDRAM. Such computer readable storage media may allow acomputing device to access computer-executable process steps,application programs and the like, stored on removable and non-removablememory media, to off-load data from the device or to upload data ontothe device. A computer program product for enabling the securitymeasures of the mechanical tensioning device 200 may be tangiblyembodied in storage medium 520, which may include a non-transitory,machine-readable storage medium.

According to example implementations, the term “computing device,” asused herein, may be a processor, or conceptualized as a processor (forexample, processor 510 of FIG. 5). In such example implementations, thecomputing device (processor) may be coupled, connected, and/or incommunication with one or more peripheral devices, such as mechanicaltensioning device 200 and/or user computing device.

In example implementations of the disclosed technology, a computingdevice includes any number of hardware and/or software applications thatare executed to facilitate any of the operations. In exampleimplementations, one or more input/output interfaces 530 may facilitatecommunication between the computing device 500 and one or more devices,such as components of the mechanical tensioning device 200 (e.g.,tensioning motor 208) and/or associated sensors (e.g., input from loadsensor or vibration sensor). The one or more user input/outputinterfaces 530 may be utilized to receive or collect data and/or userinstructions from a wide variety of input devices (e.g., user computingdevice and/or load sensor and/or vibration sensor). Received data may beprocessed by one or more computer processors 510 as desired in variousimplementations of the disclosed technology and/or stored in one or morememory devices, such as storage medium 520.

One or more network interfaces 550 may facilitate connection of thecomputing device inputs and outputs to one or more suitable networksand/or connections. For example, the connections that facilitatecommunication with any number of sensors associated with the system. Theone or more network interfaces 550 may further facilitate connection toone or more suitable networks; for example, a local area network, a widearea network, the Internet, a Wi-Fi enabled network, a satellite-basednetwork, any wired network, any wireless network, etc., forcommunication with external devices and/or systems. In some embodiments,mechanical tensioning device may be configured to receive and act oninstructions from computing device 500.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for an exemplary method of operation of anintegrated vehicle cover and security system (e.g., mechanicaltensioning device 200 and/or mechanical tensioning device 900) havingone or more sensors and a computing device as described with respect toFIG. 5. In step 610, processor 510 may receive a first signal from auser computing device. For example, the user of the integrated vehiclecover and security system may place the vehicle cover 100 on his or hervehicle, and attach the first and second ends of security cable 102 tothe mechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900. The security cable 102may be coupled to or housed within the bottom edge of the vehicle cover100 and configured to be drawn in a drawstring fashion when engaged tothe mechanical tensioning device 200. However, in some embodiments, thesecurity cable 102 may be permanently or semi-permanently coupled toboth the mechanical tensioning device 200 and the vehicle cover 100 suchthat no coupling is required before beginning use of the mechanicaltensioning device 200. Once the vehicle cover 100 (and its securitycable 102) and mechanical tensioning device 200 are coupled, the usermay interact with computing device 500 (e.g., via a web application, APIor mobile application on the user computing device, etc.) to controlfunctionality of the integrated vehicle cover and security system.Instructions from the user computing device may be transmitted to one ormore servers associated with computing device 500 via a network.Computing device 500, may receive a signal from the user computingdevice, via one or more backend servers and the network, withinstructions to activate the tensioning motor 208 to engage and beginapplying rotational force to the rotational reel 204 to wind thesecurity cable 102 into the rotational reel 204 until security cable 102reaches a predetermined tension as measured by the load sensor 210 instep 620.

Alternatively, when mechanical tensioning device 900 is used in method600, computing device 500 may receive a signal from the user computingdevice, via one or more backend servers and the network, withinstructions to activate a tensioning motor (e.g., tensioning motor 910,as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 12) to engage and applya rotational force to a first sprocket wheel (e.g., first sprocket wheel920, as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 12). The firstsprocket wheel may be engaged to a drive chain (e.g., drive chain 940,as described in more detail with FIG. 12). The drive chain may translatethe rotational force into a linear force and apply the linear force to acable shuttle (e.g., cable shuttle 960) connected to a first cableattachment point (e.g., first cable attachment point 904). The linearforce applied to cable shuttle 960 may cause cable shuttle 960 to slidealong a shuttle track (e.g., shuttle track 950). The movement of cableshuttle 960 may pull first cable attachment point 904 and the first endof security cable 102 at least partially inside an interior portion ofmechanical tensioning device 900 until security cable 102 reaches apredetermined tension as measured by a load sensor.

In some embodiments, an additional layer of security may be provided bya wireless key FOB paired with the mechanical tensioning device 200and/or 900. The wireless key FOB may include a transponder encoded witha predetermined electronic key matching that of a correspondingmechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900. Accordingly, the wirelesskey FOB may be configured to transmit “lock” and “unlock” instructionsto the corresponding mechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900. Thekey FOB may transmit the lock/unlock instructions to the mechanicaltensioning device 200 and/or 900 via any electronic connection, butpreferably using a transponder paired to a corresponding mechanicaltensioning device 200 and/or 900. In some embodiments, a user computingdevice may be utilized to communicate with the mechanical tensioningdevice, preferably using low energy Bluetooth™ in order to reduce powerconsumption of the system. In some embodiments, WiFi™ or a similarwireless connection may be used in place of low energy Bluetooth (e.g.,when the mechanical tensioning device is connected to a wireless homenetwork). Accordingly, in some embodiments, computing device 500 mayreceive the signal from the wireless key FOB rather than from the usercomputing device in order to provide an additional layer of security tothe implementation of the mechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900.Additionally, in some embodiments, the wireless key FOB may be used totransmit a “wake” or “sleep” signal to the computing device 500, whichmay cause the computing device to enter an active state or an inactivestate (e.g., to conserve battery power), respectively. The computingdevice 500 may be configured to only receive signals from a usercomputing device when the computing device 500 is put into an activestate (e.g., by using the wireless key FOB to transmit a “wake” signalto the computing device 500).

In step 630, computing device 500 receives tension signals (e.g., from aload sensor) and monitors the tension placed on the security cable 102.The load sensor(s) may be in communication with computing device 500(e.g., via I/O 530). Computing device 500 may be configured to respondto a change in tension as determined by the load sensor. In optionalstep 640, the computing device 500 may monitor vibrations (e.g., basedon signals received from vibration sensor(s), as described in moredetail with respect to FIG. 2C). Excessive vibration (e.g., vibrationthat exceeds a minimum threshold and/or is not filtered out by thesystem as noise) may be indicative of an attempt to tamper with and/orremove the mechanical tensioning device, as a change in tension in thesecurity cable 102 based on signals received from a load sensor. If thecomputing device 500 determines excessive vibration of the mechanicaltensioning device 200 and/or 900 based on signal(s) from vibrationsensors in optional step 650, computing device 500 may execute one ormore security measures (as described in more detail with respect to FIG.7). In step 660, the computing device 500 may determine whether therehas been a change in the tension of security cable 102. When computingdevice 500 does not detect a change in tension that exceeds apredetermined threshold (e.g., a preset line tension deemed to balancethe spring force based on the device and vehicle sizes andconfiguration), the system may return to step 630 and continue tomonitor the tension and optionally monitor for excessive vibrations asdiscussed with respect to optional steps 640 and 650. In response todetecting a change in tension in security cable 102 that exceeds thepredetermined threshold, the system may execute one or more securitymeasures in step 670. In some embodiments, the predetermined thresholdfor a change in tension may range from range from extremely little force(e.g., on the order of several ounces of applied tension beingsufficient to trigger the security measures) for a higher sensitivity totampering to a larger force (e.g. on the order of several pounds ofapplied tension) for a lower sensitivity to tampering, and thepredetermined threshold may be selectively adjusted by the end-user(e.g., by adjusting a preset line tension).

For example, as shown in more detail in FIG. 7, one security measurefrom step 670 may include, in step 672, sounding an alarm to be playedthrough a loudspeaker (not shown) or other audio device integrated intomechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900. In some embodiments, themechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900 may be configured totransmit an alert signal to the vehicle 10 in order to activate a nativesecurity system associated with the vehicle 10. The alarm may serve todiscourage a would-be thief from continued attempts to remove mechanicaltensioning device 200 and/or 900 from the vehicle. In optional step 674,the security measures may include transmitting an alert to the usercomputer device. For example, the alert may be generated by computingdevice 500 and transmitted using a wireless network, such as a mobilewireless network, to one or more servers associated with the mechanicaltensioning device 200 and/or 900. The one or more servers may processthe incoming alert signal from the computing device 500, and determinethe identity of the end-user based on the information received in thealert signal. The one or more servers may identify an email or phonenumber associated with the identified end-user and transmit the alertsignal to the end user via a SMS message sent to the user's phone numberand/or email sent to the end-user associated email address, although anyother similar electronic messaging means is contemplated. The alert mayinclude GPS coordinates of computing device 500 to allow the user toquickly recollect where the vehicle has been parked and/or send positiondata to police or other authorities. The alert may be particularlyhelpful when the user/vehicle owner is outside of range to hear anaudible alarm (e.g., step 672) or does not want the would-be thief toknow an alarm has been set off. In addition to alerting the end-user,the computing device 500 may be configured to alert one or more entitiesincluding law enforcement and/or a private vehicle security subscriptionservice (e.g., OnStar™ or any similar service). In some embodiments, thecomputing device 500 may be further configured to transmit instructionsto a respective vehicle security subscription service with instructionsto disable a vehicle 10 in response to detecting a tampering event(e.g., based on signals received in steps 630 and 640).

In optional step 676, computing device 500 may instruct a camera (notshown) integrated into mechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900 tocapture an image, a series of images, or a video of the person orpersons tampering with the mechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900and/or vehicle cover 100. These images or videos may be stored locallyon computing device 500, and additionally uploaded to one or moreservers for secure storage. As part of the alert 674 transmitted touser, or as a separate message, the captured images and/or video may betransmitted to the user (e.g., to user computing device) in optionalstep 676. In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device 200and/or 900 may include a window of a one-way glass or a clear materialto provide a window through which the camera may capture the images,series of images, or video of a potential tampering event. In someembodiments, the camera may be conveniently installed into vehicle 10separately from the mechanical tensioning device 200 and/or 900. Thecamera may wirelessly communicate with the computing device 500 usingany wireless communication means, but preferably over a Bluetooth™connection to the computing device 500. When the camera is separatelyinstalled into vehicle 10, the camera may be powered by a separatebattery configured to power the camera, while in other embodiments, thecamera may be configured to be powered by vehicle 10's native electricalsystem. In order to conserve power, the camera may be configured toenter an active state in response to detecting potential tampering basedon the tension and vibration signals from steps 630 and 640, and enteran inactive state to conserve power after the images, series of images,or video has been captured and wirelessly transmitted to computingdevice 500. After receiving the image, series of images, or video fromthe camera, the computing device 500 may transmit the images to one ormore servers for secure storage.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for another exemplary method of operation 700 ofthe integrated vehicle cover and security system for use with asemi-automated embodiment of the present disclosure. The semi-automatedembodiment may include a manual crank instead of motorized tension motor208. In step 710, the user may first place the vehicle cover 100 overthe vehicle 10 and attach the first end and second end of the securitycable 102 to the mechanical tensioning device 200. The user may thentension the crank, which applies rotational force to the rotational reel204, and wind the security cable 102 partly onto the rotational reel204. The user may continue to wind the crank until the desired tensionis achieved.

In step 720, the user may receive an indication that the tensioningcrank has wound the security cable 102 partly into the rotational reeland applied the desired tension to the security cable 102. In someembodiments, a load sensor may monitor the tension applied by the uservia the crank, and computing device 500 may generate an indication tothe user when the desired tension has been met. For example, thecomputing device may, via optional display 540, provide an indication tothe user when the desired tension has been met, or optionally maygenerate the indication for display via remote display 542 (e.g., onuser computing device, as enabled by network interface 550). In anotherexample, the computing device may provide the indication through a tonegenerated by the loudspeaker integrated into mechanical tensioningdevice 200. In a fully manual embodiment lacking computing device 500,mechanical tensioning device may further include a mechanical bi-stableelement configured to allow the crank to provide rotational force to therotational reel 204 until a predetermined tension is met, andafterwards, changing configuration to block the rotational reel fromapplying additional rotational force to the rotational reel 204. Thechange in configuration of the bi-stable mechanical element may beaccompanied with an audible “click” which may serve as auditory feedbackto the user that the desired tension on security cable 102 has beenreached. Steps 740 and steps 750 are substantially similar to 660, and670, respectively, and will be omitted here for brevity.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of mechanical tensioning device 900,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed mechanicaltensioning device. As shown in FIG. 9, mechanical tensioning device 900may include a plurality of wheel attachment loops 902 configured toenable the attachment of mechanical tensioning device 900 to a vehiclewheel 12. The wheel attachment loops 902 are each connectable toreinforced straps (not shown), which are configured to loop aroundvehicle wheel 12 to affix mechanical tensioning device 900 securely tovehicle wheel 12. First, a user of security system 100 may place the carcover component on a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 10 in FIGS. 1A-1B). Second,the user may fix mechanical tensioning device 900 to vehicle wheel 12 byattaching reinforced straps to wheel attachment loops 902 and loopingthe reinforced straps around wheel 12. Third, the user may attach firstand second ends of the security cable (e.g., security cable 102) to afirst cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point,respectively, of mechanical tensioning device 900. Fourth, the user maytension the security cable to a predetermined tension level (e.g., byactivating a tensioning motor or, in manual embodiments, winding atensioning crank).

Once the security cable (e.g., security cable 102 in FIG. 1A) istensioned to the predetermined tension level (e.g., 10 lbs), the tensionof security cable 102 may secure mechanical tensioning device 900 to thevehicle wheel 12 such that the reinforced straps attached to wheelattachment loops 902 cannot not be loosened without first disengagingthe tension on the security cable 102. A functional advantage of thetension of security cable 102 “locking” mechanical tensioning device 900in place such that the reinforced straps cannot be removed is the easeof use for the end-user. While an end-user may forget to selectivelylock the reinforced straps to mechanical tensioning device 900, inembodiments in which the tension of security cable “locks” thereinforced straps to the wheel attachment loops 902, an end-user doesnot have to remember to selectively lock reinforced straps in place,because the tension of security cable 102 achieves the desired resultand does not require a separate step of locking the reinforced straps tothe mechanical tensioning device from the user of system 100.

In some embodiments, the reinforced straps may be secured to the wheelattachment loops by a locking mechanism such that mechanical tensioningdevice 900 may not be removed from wheel 12 without unlocking thelocking mechanism to remove the reinforced straps from the wheelattachment loops 902. A separate locking mechanism may provide theadvantage of an additional layer of security to system 100. According tosome embodiments, the reinforced straps may be locked to wheelattachment loops 902 by both (i) the tension in the tensioned securitycable 102 and (ii) a locking mechanism disposed on each wheel attachmentloop 902 configured to lock the reinforced straps securely to mechanicaltensioning device 900.

Mechanical tensioning device 900 may provide several advantages whencompared to mechanical tensioning device 200. For example, mechanicaltensioning device 900 allows for the security cable 102 to be tensionedby drawing the security cable 102 into an interior portion of mechanicaltensioning device 900 along a linear path, thereby reducing jammingissues that may occur when winding security cable onto a reel (e.g.,rotational reel 204). Also, because security cable 102 is not wound ontoa reel when using mechanical tensioning device 900, releasing securitycable 102 releases along the same linear path as previously tensioned,reducing the likelihood of a jam or entanglement of the security cable102 with other components of mechanical tensioning device 900. Further,the use of wheel attachment loops 902 enable greater ease ofinstallation of the mechanical tensioning device 900 to a wheel of avehicle, while not compromising the security of the system as comparedto the use of wheel attachment arms 202 with mechanical tensioningdevice 200.

Mechanical tensioning device 900 may also include a first cableattachment point 904 and a second cable attachment point 906. Securitycable 102 may attach to first cable attachment point 904 and secondcable attachment point 906 in any way described with respect to FIG. 1A.In one embodiment, security cable 102 may have male-type “keys” or“pins” that mate with female-type lock housings (e.g., first cableattachment point 904 and second cable attachment point 906). Accordingto some embodiments, first cable attachment point 904 may be engaged toa cable shuttle (e.g., cable shuttle 960), while in other embodiments,first cable attachment point 904 may be a part of the cable shuttle. Thecable shuttle (e.g., cable shuttle 960) may be configured to slide alonga shuttle track (e.g., shuttle track 950) and draw the first end ofsecurity cable 102 into mechanical tensioning device 900. Second cableattachment point 906 may be configured to engage the second end ofsecurity cable 102 in a stationary position, allowing security cable 102to be tensioned to a predetermined tension by mechanical tensioningdevice 900.

FIG. 10 shows second cable attachment point 906, in accordance with someexamples, in more detail. As described above, second cable attachmentpoint 906 may include a female-type lock housing configured to engage amale-type “key” or “pin” on a second end of security cable 102, althoughany suitable attachment means is contemplated. Second cable attachmentpoint 906 may hold second end of security cable 102 in a stationary andfixed position when engaged to security cable 102. A functionaladvantage of second cable attachment point 906 holding second end ofsecurity cable 102 in a stationary and fixed position is the reducedlikelihood of security cable 102 scratching or otherwise damagingvehicle 10.

FIG. 11 shows first cable attachment point 904, in accordance with someexamples, in more detail. According to some embodiments, first cableattachment point 904 may include a “V” shaped slot having a semicircularopening with approximately the same radius as security cable 102proximate a first end, and the opening may gradually taper or otherwisereduce in size as it approaches a point at a vertex of the “V” shape offirst attachment point 904 at a second end. Accordingly, to securelyengage first end of security cable 102 to first cable attachment point904, first end of security cable 102 may be threaded through thesemicircular opening of first attachment point 904 and gently wedged inplace by the vertex of the “V” shape of first cable attachment point.Additionally, a user of mechanical tensioning device 900 may remove amajority of the slack of security cable 102 by sliding at least aportion of security cable 102 through the semicircle of first cableattachment point 904 before wedging security cable 102 in the “V” shapedvertex. Because first cable attachment point 904 is configured to be atleast partially drawn into an interior portion of mechanical tensioningdevice 900 when in an in-use configuration (e.g., as described in moredetail with respect to FIG. 12 and FIGS. 13A-B), the first end ofsecurity cable 102 and first cable attachment point 904 may beinaccessible for tampering while the security cable 102 is tensioned.

FIG. 12 depicts an interior view of an example embodiment of amechanical tensioning device according to exemplary implementations ofthe disclosed technology. As shown, mechanical tensioning device 900 mayinclude a plurality of wheel attachment loops 902 for attachingmechanical tensioning device 900 to wheel 12 of a vehicle, first cableattachment point 904 for securing a first end of security cable 102, andsecond cable attachment point 906 for securing a second end of securitycable 102. Mechanical tensioning device 900 may also include atensioning motor 910, a first sprocket wheel 920, a second sprocketwheel 930, a drive chain 940, a shuttle track 950, a cable shuttle 960,a computing device 500, and a power supply 560.

Tensioning motor 910 can be any suitable electrical motor, including,for example, a 12 Volt DC 100-150 rpm motor. Tensioning motor may beengaged to first sprocket wheel 920 and configured to provide arotational force to first sprocket wheel 920. According to someembodiments, tensioning motor 910 may comprise a manual winding crank(not shown) coupled to the first sprocket wheel 920 to allow a user toapply a rotational force to the first sprocket wheel 920. The manuallywound embodiment of mechanical tensioning device 900 may includenumerous advantages including a lower cost to manufacture. Anotheradvantage may be increased reliability due to a simplified design.Another advantage of the mechanically wound design is the potential forthe operator or user of the mechanical tensioning device to have finercontrol over the tension placed on the security cable 102.

In embodiments including a tensioning crank, the tensioning crank mayfurther include a mechanical device, such as a bi-stable mechanicaldevice, that is configured to provide feedback to a user of the manualwinding crank when the desired tension has been applied to the securitycable 102. Advantages of the bi-stable mechanical device includeensuring that a user of system 100 consistently tightens security cableto the appropriate tension, such that mechanical tensioning device 900and system 100 are securely fastened to a vehicle 10 to preventtampering, but and does not overtighten or under tighten the securitycable. Another advantage of the bi-stable mechanical device is reducedcost of providing the bi-stable mechanical device when compared to fullyautomated embodiments of the mechanical tensioning device 200 and/or900. In such embodiments, the bi-stable mechanical device may beconfigured to provide a “clicking” (e.g., audible and/or tactile)feedback while the user of the mechanical tensioning device 900 windsthe tensioning crank. When the appropriate tension has been applied, thebi-stable mechanical device may disengage the winding crank fromapplying torque to the security cable 102, for example, by disengaging aclutch from the tensioning crank when a predetermined tension isreached.

As shown in FIG. 12, first sprocket wheel 920 may be engaged to a drivechain 940. Drive chain 940 may be configured to convert the rotationalforce (e.g., the force applied by tensioning motor 910 or manual windingcrank) into a linear force. As first sprocket wheel 920 rotates underthe influence of tensioning motor 910 and/or manual winding crank, drivechain 940 rotates about first sprocket wheel 920 and causes secondsprocket wheel 930 to rotate under the influence of the forcetransferred from first sprocket wheel 920 to drive chain 940. However,according to some embodiments, mechanical tensioning device 900 may haveonly one sprocket wheel, with the drive chain 940 connected to the onesprocket wheel, and the drive chain further configured to convert therotational force of tensioning motor 910 to a linear force to be appliedto cable shuttle 960. Advantages of a single sprocket mechanicaltensioning device embodiment includes reduced complexity of design,lower manufacturing costs, and space savings allowing for a more compactsize of the mechanical tensioning device 900. Drive chain 940 may beengaged to shuttle track 950 via a linking member 962 (e.g., as shown inmore detail with respect to FIGS. 13A-13B) and configured to apply thetransferred linear force from the drive chain 940 to cable shuttle 960.

First cable attachment point 904 may be engaged to, or be a part ofcable shuttle 960. Cable shuttle 960 may be configured to slide alongshuttle track 950, which is disposed on a bottom inside surface ofmechanical tensioning device 900. Cable shuttle 960 may be engaged todrive chain 940 such that when the first and second ends of securitycable 102 are attached to first and second cable attachment points 904and 906, respectively, the drive chain 940 may transfer a linear forceto cable shuttle 960 causing cable shuttle 960 to slide along shuttletrack 950 until at least a portion of security cable 102 (e.g., thefirst end of security cable 102 and first attachment point 904) arewithin an interior portion of mechanical tensioning device 900.

Additionally, in some embodiments, mechanical tensioning device 900 mayinclude computing device 500 and power supply 560, or be configured toreceive power form an external power source (not shown). In suchembodiments, the computing device 500 may be configured to enableInternet of Things (IoT) technology to be incorporated into themechanical tensioning device 900 to provide remote control, monitoring,and/or alarm functionality for the integrated vehicle cover 100 andsecurity system. Computing device 500 is discussed in detail withrespect to FIG. 5 and the various functionalities enabled by computingdevice 500 are discussed in detail with respect to FIGS. 6-8, andadditionally in FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioningdevice 900 may be fitted with one or more sensors. For example,mechanical tensioning device may include a load sensor (not shown)configured to monitor the tension placed on security cable 102. Inresponse to detecting a change in tension, the load sensor may beconfigured to transmit a signal to computing device 500 to enable one ormore security actions (discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS.6-8, and FIG. 14). In some embodiments, the load sensor may be disposedon a linking member 962 connecting drive chain 930 to cable shuttle 960.

When tension is applied to the security cable 102, cable shuttle 960 maymove linearly along shuttle track 950 until the load sensor (e.g., aload sensor disposed on linking member 962) is triggered, a maximummotor current is reached, or the cable shuttle reaches the end of travelalong the shuttle track 950. In some embodiments, the load sensor maycomprise a traditional load cell which may continuously monitor thetension applied to the security cable 102. In some embodiments,mechanical tensioning device 900 additionally include one or morevibration sensors (not shown) for detecting vibration of the securitycable 102 and/or mechanical tensioning device 900 to help detect andrespond to potential tampering with the vehicle cover 100. The vibrationsensor may be integrated with the main circuit board of computing device500 and may be capable of detecting excess vibration of the mechanicaltensioning device 900. The vibration sensor(s) may be a three-axisaccelerometer device. For example, the vibration sensor may beconfigured to detect certain acceleratory patterns, such as a rotationand/or free-fall motion. The vibration sensor may be configured todetect acceleration in any direction (e.g., an acceleration verticallyup or down, side to side, forwards or backwards, or any combinationthereof). Because the mechanical tensioning device 900 may be detachablyconnected to the wheel 12 of vehicle 10, smaller vibrations that are notindicative of tampering (e.g., vibrations caused by wind) may befiltered out such that only significant vibrations will cause the wheel12 and/or the mechanical tensioning device 900 to vibrate sufficientlyto be detected by the vibration sensor. In some embodiments, asensitivity of the vibration sensor may be adjustable by the end-user(e.g., via computing device 500, as discussed in more detail withrespect to FIGS. 5-6) and/or a third-party source (e.g., with feedbackfrom other users, weather data, etc.) in order to minimize falsepositive tampering events.

FIGS. 13A-B depict an example embodiment of a linking member (e.g.,linking member 962) having a load sensing component for detectingtension in security cable (e.g., security cable 102) when the securitysystem is in an in-use configuration. As shown, first cable attachmentpoint may be engaged to, or be of unitary construction to cable shuttle960. Drive chain 940 may be engaged to shuttle track 950 via linkingmember 962 and configured to apply the transferred linear force from thedrive chain 940 to cable shuttle 960. As described above, in someembodiments, the load sensor may comprise a traditional load cell whichmay continuously monitor the tension applied to the security cable 102.In embodiments not including a tensioning motor 910 but instead having awinding crank, linking member 962 may not include a traditional loadsensor, but instead the winding crank may include a mechanical bi-stabledevice as described with respect to FIG. 12. According to someembodiments, the mechanical bi-stable device may be integrated withinvarious components of the mechanical tensioning device 900. For example,the mechanical bi-stable device may be integrated into the windingcrank, the rotational reel (e.g., rotational reel 204), or be integratedinto a section of the drive chain (e.g. drive chain 940).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for another exemplary method of operation of theintegrated vehicle cover and security system for use with asemi-automated embodiment of mechanical tensioning device 900 asdescribed in the present disclosure. The semi-automated embodiment mayinclude a manual crank instead of motorized tension motor 910, but maystill include a load sensor and computing device to execute one or moresecurity measures in response to detecting a change in tension onsecurity cable 102. In step 1410, the user may place vehicle cover 100over vehicle 10 and attach the first end and the second end of securitycable 102 on first attachment point 904 and second attachment point 906,respectively, of mechanical tensioning device 900. The user may apply arotational force to the tensioning crank, which may be engaged to asprocket wheel (e.g., first sprocket wheel 920 and/or second sprocketwheel 930). The sprocket wheel may be engaged to a drive chain 940,which converts the rotational force into a linear force, which in turn,is applied to cable shuttle 960 via a linking member 962 connecting thecable shuttle 960 to drive chain 940. Cable shuttle 960, under theinfluence of the transferred linear force, may slide along shuttle track950 causing first end of security cable 102 and first cable attachmentpoint 904 to slide into an interior portion of mechanical tensioningdevice 900 in a linear motion. The user may continue to wind the crankuntil the desired tension is achieved.

In step 1420, the user may receive an indication that the winding crankhas caused the first cable attachment point to be at least partiallydrawn into an interior portion of the mechanical tensioning device alongshuttle track 950 and applied the desired tension to security cable 102.In some embodiments, a load sensor (e.g., disposed on linking member962) may monitor the tension applied by the user via the crank, andcomputing device 500 may generate an indication to the user when thedesired tension has been met. For example, the computing device may, viaoptional display 540, provide an indication to the user when the desiredtension has been met, or optionally may generate the indication fordisplay via remote display 542 (e.g., on user computing device, asenabled by network interface 550). In another example, the computingdevice may provide the indication through a tone generated by theloudspeaker integrated into mechanical tensioning device 200. In a fullymanual embodiment lacking computing device 500, mechanical tensioningdevice 900 may further include a mechanical bi-stable element configuredto allow the crank to provide rotational force to the sprocket wheel(e.g., first sprocket wheel 920 and/or second sprocket wheel 930) untila predetermined tension is met, and afterwards, changing configurationto block the rotational reel from applying additional rotational forceto the sprocket wheel. The change in configuration of the bi-stablemechanical element may be accompanied with an audible “click” which mayserve as auditory feedback to the user that the desired tension onsecurity cable 102 has been reached. Steps 1440 and steps 1450 aresubstantially similar to 660, and 670, respectively, and will be omittedhere for brevity.

FIG. 15A-15E depict a binding device 1500 with no moving parts forsecuring a security cable and fastening a vehicle cover to a vehicle,according to exemplary implementations of the disclosed technology. Asshown in FIGS. 15A-15E, a binding device 1500 with no moving parts isdisclosed. According to some embodiments, in lieu of a mechanicaltensioning device 200/900, the vehicle cover 100 may be attached to anon-binding device to securely fasten vehicle cover 100 to a vehicle(e.g., vehicle 10), to securely protect the vehicle from wind, rain,snow, hail, and/or outside tampering.

FIG. 15A is a top view of binding device 1500, FIG. 15B is a sideprofile view of binding device 1500, FIG. 15C is a bottom view ofbinding device, FIG. 15D is a front view of binding device 1500, andFIG. 15E is a rear view of binding device 1500. Binding device 1500 mayinclude a first cable attachment point 1505. First cable attachmentpoint 1505 may be configured to receive a first end of a security cable(e.g., security cable 102) and securely fasten the first end of securitycable when the first end of the security cable is fitted into a slot offirst cable attachment point 1505. According to some embodiments, tosecure first end of the security cable, the first end may include anenlarged portion 103 (e.g., a portion of the security cable glued orotherwise mechanically folded over itself). In other embodiments, thefirst end of security cable may include a knot to serve as the enlargedportion 103. The enlarged portion 103 of the first end of security cable(e.g., security cable 102) may fit through the enlarged portion of firstcable attachment point 1505 and be pulled tight, thereby fastening firstend of the security cable against a neck portion of first cableattachment point 1505 that has a width less than the enlarged portion offirst cable attachment point, but allows the remaining portion ofsecurity cable pass through the rear of binding device 1500. The frontof binding device 1500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15D) may include achannel 1510 for receiving a second end of a security cable (e.g.,security cable 102). In a secured configuration, the second end ofsecurity cable may pass through channel 1510 and enter a bottom aperture1515, as shown in FIG. 15C. Bottom aperture 1515 may be paired with topaperture 1520, as shown in FIG. 15A. In a secured configuration, secondend of security cable may be threaded through bottom aperture 1515 andout of top aperture 1520. The second end of security cable may passalong cable guide 1530, configured to facilitate the binding of securitycable to binding device 1500. The second end of security cable 102 maythen pass into binding channel 1525. Binding channel 1525 may have a “V”shaped slot with an opening that gradually tapers or otherwise reducesin size as it approaches a point at a vertex of the “V” shape.Accordingly, binding channel 1525 may securely hold second end ofsecurity cable when binding device 1500 and security cable 102 are in asecured configuration.

FIG. 16 depicts a side-profile cross-sectional view of the bindingdevice and security cable in a secured configuration, according toexemplary implementations of the disclosed technology. As described withrespect to FIG. 15, binding device 1500 may be configured to securelyattach to a first end and a second of security cable in a securedconfiguration, thereby securing vehicle cover 100 to vehicle 10. Asshown in FIG. 16, first end of security cable may include an enlargedportion 103 to securely interface with first cable attachment point1505. Second end of security cable 102 may pass through channel 1510,bottom aperture 1515, and top aperture 1520. The cable may be guided bycable guide 1530 and pass a “V” shaped binding channel 1525 that holdsthe first end of security cable securely in place while binding device1500 is in a secured configuration.

Example implementations of the disclosed technology may provide anintegrated vehicle cover and security system. According to one aspect,the system may include a vehicle cover component including a main panelconfigured to cover a vehicle when the vehicle is in a usedconfiguration and a bottom edge that surrounds a body of the vehiclewhen the vehicle cover is in the used configuration. The bottom edge mayhave a security cable affixed thereto, and the security cable may beintegrated into the material of the bottom edge, with the security cablehaving a first end and second end. The system may include a mechanicaltensioning device including a plurality of wheel attachment arms forattaching the mechanical tensioning device to a first wheel of avehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may additionally include afirst cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point, thefirst cable attachment point for connecting to the first end of thesecurity cable and the second cable attachment point for connecting thesecond end of the security cable. The mechanical tensioning device mayalso include at least one rotational reel and at least one tensioningmotor in communication with the at least one rotational reel. Thetensioning motor may be configured to apply tension to the securitycable and the mechanical tensioning device may further include a loadsensor configured to monitor the tension placed on the security cablewhen the mechanical tensioning device is secured to the first wheel, thefirst end of the security cable is attached to the first cableattachment point, and the second end of the security cable is attachedto the second cable attachment point. The system may additionallyinclude one or more processors and a memory with instructions configuredto cause the cause the system to receive a first signal, transmit asecond signal to the at least one tensioning motor, monitor for a changein tension by the load sensor. Responsive to the change in tension, thesystem may generate one or more security measures and execute the one ormore security measures.

In some embodiments, generating the one or more security measures mayfurther include generating an alarm signal and transmitting the alarmsignal to a speaker connecting to the processor and integrated into themechanical tensioning device. In some embodiments, generating the one ormore security measures may include generating an alert message andtransmitting the alert message to a user device. In some embodiments,the alert may be transmitted by SMS, e-mail, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, the alert may include the GPS coordinates of themechanical tensioning device.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a vibration sensingcomponent configured to monitor the mechanical tensioning device for avibratory acceleration. The vibration sensing component may determinethat the vibratory acceleration surpasses a predetermined threshold and,in response, cause the processor to generate the one or more securitymeasures. In some embodiments, the vehicle cover component may furtherinclude a material reinforced with Kevlar fibers, metallic fibers, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the system may furtherinclude an audiovisual recording component and the one or more securitymeasures may further include capturing an image, a series of images inresponse to detecting the change in tension. In some embodiments, theaudiovisual recording component may capture the image, series of images,or video, in response to detecting the change in tension or thevibratory acceleration surpassing the predetermined acceleratorythreshold.

In another aspect, an integrated vehicle cover and security system aredisclosed. The system may include a vehicle cover component including amain panel configured to cover a vehicle when the vehicle is in a usedconfiguration and a bottom edge that surrounds a body of the vehiclewhen the vehicle cover is in the used configuration. The bottom edge mayhave a security cable affixed thereto, and the security cable may beintegrated into the material of the bottom edge, with the security cablehaving a first end and second end. The system may include a mechanicaltensioning device including a plurality of wheel attachment arms forattaching the mechanical tensioning device to a first wheel of avehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may additionally include afirst cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point, thefirst cable attachment point for connecting to the first end of thesecurity cable and the second cable attachment point for connecting thesecond end of the security cable. The mechanical tensioning device mayalso include at least one rotational reel and a tensioning crank incommunication with the at least one rotational reel. The tensioningcrank may be engagedly connected to the at least one rotational reelassembly and configured to rotate the at least one rotational reel toapply tension to the first end and the second end of the security cable.The mechanical tensioning device may further include a load sensorconfigured to monitor the tension placed on the security cable when themechanical tensioning device is secured to the first wheel, the firstend of the security cable is attached to the first cable attachmentpoint, and the second end of the security cable is attached to thesecond cable attachment point. The system may additionally include oneor more processors and a memory with instructions configured to causethe cause the system to monitor for a change in tension by the loadsensor. Responsive to the change in tension, the system may generate oneor more security measures and execute the one or more security measures.

In another aspect, an integrated vehicle cover and security system isdisclosed. The system may include a vehicle cover component including amain panel configured to cover a vehicle when the vehicle is in a usedconfiguration and a bottom edge that surrounds a body of the vehiclewhen the vehicle cover is in the used configuration. The bottom edge mayhave a security cable affixed thereto, and the security cable may beintegrated into the material of the bottom edge, with the security cablehaving a first end and second end. The system may include a mechanicaltensioning device including a plurality of wheel attachment arms forattaching the mechanical tensioning device to a first wheel of avehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may additionally include afirst cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point, thefirst cable attachment point for connecting to the first end of thesecurity cable and the second cable attachment point for connecting thesecond end of the security cable. The mechanical tensioning device mayalso include at least one rotational reel and a tensioning crank incommunication with the at least one rotational reel. The tensioningcrank may be engagedly connected to the at least one rotational reelassembly and configured to rotate the at least one rotational reel toapply tension to the first end and the second end of the security cable.The system may additional include a mechanical bi-stable deviceconfigured to provide an indication when the tensioning crank hasapplied a predetermined tension to the first end and the second end ofthe security cable.

In another aspect, an integrated vehicle cover and security system anddisclosed. The system may include a vehicle cover component including amain panel configured to cover a vehicle when the vehicle is in a usedconfiguration and a bottom edge that surrounds a body of the vehiclewhen the vehicle cover is in the used configuration. The bottom edge mayhave a security cable affixed thereto, and the security cable may beintegrated into the material of the bottom edge, with the security cablehaving a first end and second end. The system may include a mechanicaltensioning device configured to attach to a wheel of a vehicle. Themechanical tensioning device may include a first cable attachment pointlocated proximate a front end of a first wheel. The mechanicaltensioning device may include a second cable attachment point locatedproximate a back end of the first wheel. The mechanical tensioningdevice may include at least a first sprocket wheel, and a tensioningmotor configured to apply a rotational force to the first sprocketwheel. The mechanical tensioning device may include a drive chainconfigured to convert the rotational force into a linear force and applythe linear force to the first end of the security cable such that thefirst end of the security cable is at least partially drawn into themechanical tensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device mayinclude a load sensor disposed on a linking member, which may connectthe first cable attachment point to the drive chain. The load senor maybe configured monitor the tension placed on the security cable when themechanical tensioning device is secured to the first wheel, the firstend of the security cable is attached to the first cable attachmentpoint, and the second end of the security cable is attached to thesecond cable attachment point. The system may additionally include oneor more processors and a memory with instructions configured to causethe cause the system to receive a first signal, transmit a second signalto the at least one tensioning motor, monitor for a change in tension bythe load sensor. Responsive to the change in tension, the system maygenerate one or more security measures and execute the one or moresecurity measures.

In some embodiments, generating the one or more security measures mayfurther include generating, by the one or more processors, an alarmsignal, and executing the one or more security measures may furtherinclude transmitting the alarm signal to a speaker connected to the oneor more processors and integrated into the mechanical tensioning device.

In some embodiments, generating the one or more security measures mayfurther include generating, by the one or more processors, an alertmessage and executing the one or more security measures further includetransmitting the alert message to a user device.

In some embodiments, the alert message is transmitted by short messageservice (SMS), e-mail, or combinations thereof and the alert message mayinclude global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the mechanicaltensioning device.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may furtherinclude a plurality of wheel attachment loops for attaching themechanical tensioning device to the first wheel of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may furtherinclude a vibration sensing component. The vibration sensing componentmay be configured to monitor the mechanical tensioning device for avibratory acceleration, determine that the vibratory accelerationsurpasses a predetermined acceleratory threshold, and transmit thedetermination that the vibratory acceleration surpasses thepredetermined acceleratory threshold to the one or more processors.Generating the one or more security measures by the one or moreprocessors may be performed in response to the vibratory accelerationsurpassing the predetermined acceleratory threshold.

In some embodiments, the first cable attachment point may include acable shuttle having a shuttle track disposed within the mechanicaltensioning device and engaged to the first end of the security cable. Atthe predetermined tension the cable shuttle may be at least partiallydrawn into the mechanical tensioning device along the shuttle track.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may furtherinclude an audiovisual recording component, and executing the one ormore security measures may further include capturing an image, a seriesof images, or a video in response to detecting the change in tension. Insome embodiments, executing the one or more security measures mayfurther include capturing an image, a series of images, or a video inresponse to (i) detecting the change in tension or (ii) the vibratoryacceleration surpassing the predetermined acceleratory threshold.

In another aspect, an integrated vehicle cover and security system aredisclosed. The system may include a vehicle cover component including amain panel configured to at least partially cover a vehicle when thevehicle cover is in an in-use configuration. At least a portion of asecurity cable is housed within a lower chamber of the main cover panel.The lower chamber may be configured to surround a body of the vehiclewhen the vehicle cover is in the in-use configuration. The securitycable may include a first end and a second end. The system may include amechanical tensioning device configured to attach to a first wheel ofthe vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include a cableshuttle located proximate a front end of the first wheel and configuredto engage the first end of the security cable. The mechanical tensioningdevice may include a shuttle track disposed within the mechanicaltensioning device and engaged to the cable shuttle. The mechanicaltensioning device may include a cable attachment point located proximatea back end of the first wheel. The mechanical tensioning device mayinclude at least a first sprocket wheel. The mechanical tensioningdevice may include a tensioning crank connected to the first sprocketwheel and configured to apply a rotational force the first sprocketwheel. The mechanical tensioning device may include a drive chainengaged to the first sprocket wheel with the drive chain configured toconvert the rotational force into a linear force and apply the linearforce to the cable shuttle via a linking member. The mechanicaltensioning device may include a load sensor disposed on the linkingmember, with the load sensor configured to monitor the tension placed onthe security cable when the mechanical tensioning device is secured tothe first wheel, the first end of the security cable is attached tocable shuttle, and the second end of the security cable is attached tothe cable attachment point. The system may additionally include one ormore processors and a memory with instructions configured to cause thecause the system to monitor for a change in tension by the load sensor.Responsive to the change in tension, the system may generate one or moresecurity measures and execute the one or more security measures.

In some embodiments, generating the one or more security measures mayfurther include generating, by the one or more processors, an alarmsignal and executing the one or more security measures may furtherinclude transmitting the alarm to a speaker connected to the one or moreprocessors and integrated into the mechanical tensioning device.

In some embodiments, generating the one or more security measures mayfurther include generating, by the one or more processors, an alertmessage and executing the one or more security measures may furtherinclude transmitting the alert message to a user device.

In some embodiments, the alert message may be transmitted by shortmessage service (SMS), e-mail, or combinations thereof and the alertmessage may include global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of themechanical tensioning device.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may furtherinclude a plurality of wheel attachment loops for attaching themechanical tensioning device to the first wheel of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may include avibration sensing component. The vibration sensing component may beconfigured to monitor the mechanical tensioning device for a vibratoryacceleration, determine that the vibratory acceleration surpasses apredetermined acceleratory threshold, and transmit the determinationthat the vibratory acceleration surpasses the predetermined acceleratorythreshold to the one or more processors. Generating the one or moresecurity measures by the one or more processors may be performed inresponse to the vibratory acceleration surpassing the predeterminedacceleratory threshold.

In some embodiments, the vehicle cover further includes a materialreinforced with Kevlar fibers, metallic fibers, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device may furtherinclude an audiovisual recording component and executing the one or moresecurity measures further includes capturing an image, a series ofimages, or a video in response to detecting the change in tension.

In another aspect, an integrated vehicle cover and security system isdisclosed. The system may include a vehicle cover component including amain panel configured to cover a vehicle when the vehicle is in a usedconfiguration and a bottom edge that surrounds a body of the vehiclewhen the vehicle cover is in the used configuration. The bottom edge mayhave a security cable affixed thereto, and the security cable may beintegrated into the material of the bottom edge, with the security cablehaving a first end and second end. The system may include a mechanicaltensioning device having one or more wheel attachment loops forattaching the mechanical tensioning device to a first wheel of thevehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include a cable shuttlelocated proximate a front end of the first wheel and configured toengage the first end of the security cable. The mechanical tensioningdevice may include a shuttle track disposed within the mechanicaltensioning device and engaged to the cable shuttle. The mechanicaltensioning device may include a cable attachment point located proximatea back end of the first wheel. The mechanical tensioning device mayinclude at least a first sprocket wheel and a tensioning crank connectedto the first sprocket wheel and configured to apply a rotational forceto the first sprocket wheel. The mechanical tensioning device mayinclude a drive chain engaged to the first sprocket wheel and configuredto convert the rotational force into a linear force and apply the linearforce to the cable shuttle via a linking member to tension the securitycable such that the cable shuttle is at least partially drawn into themechanical tensioning device along the shuttle track. The mechanicaltensioning device may include a mechanical bi-stable device disposed onthe linking member and configured to provide an indication when thesecurity cable is at a predetermined tension when the mechanicaltensioning device is secured to the first wheel, the first end of thesecurity cable is attached to the cable shuttle, and the second end ofthe security cable is attached to the cable attachment point.

In some embodiments, the main cover panel includes a reinforced fibermaterial. In some embodiments, the mechanical tensioning device mayfurther include a locking mechanism configured to prevent the tensioningcrank from rotating the first sprocket wheel when the locking mechanismis engaged to the tensioning crank.

Certain implementations of the disclosed technology are described abovewith reference to block and flow diagrams of systems and methods and/orcomputer program products according to example implementations of thedisclosed technology. It will be understood that one or more blocks ofthe block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theblock diagrams and flow diagrams, respectively, can be implemented bycomputer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of theblock diagrams and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to beperformed in the order presented, may be repeated, or may notnecessarily need to be performed at all, according to someimplementations of the disclosed technology.

These computer-executable program instructions may be loaded onto ageneral-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a processor, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particularmachine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer,processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus create meansfor implementing one or more functions specified in the flow diagramblock or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be storedin a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meansthat implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram blockor blocks. As an example, implementations of the disclosed technologymay provide for a computer program product, including a computer-usablemedium having a computer-readable program code or program instructionsembodied therein, said computer-readable program code adapted to beexecuted to implement one or more functions specified in the flowdiagram block or blocks. Likewise, the computer program instructions maybe loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processingapparatus to cause a series of operational elements or steps to beperformed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce acomputer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute onthe computer or other programmable apparatus provide elements or stepsfor implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block orblocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams supportcombinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of elements or steps for performing the specifiedfunctions, and program instruction means for performing the specifiedfunctions. It will also be understood that each block of the blockdiagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and flow diagrams, can be implemented by special-purpose,hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions,elements or steps, or combinations of special-purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

In this description, numerous specific details have been set forth. Itis to be understood, however, that implementations of the disclosedtechnology may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not beenshown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of thisdescription. References to “one implementation,” “an implementation,”“example implementation,” “various implementations,” “someimplementations,” etc., indicate that the implementation(s) of thedisclosed technology so described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but not every implementation necessarilyincludes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further,repeated use of the phrase “in one implementation” does not necessarilyrefer to the same implementation, although it may.

Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take atleast the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “connected” means that onefunction, feature, structure, or characteristic is directly joined to orin communication with another function, feature, structure, orcharacteristic. The term “coupled” means that one function, feature,structure, or characteristic is directly or indirectly joined to or incommunication with another function, feature, structure, orcharacteristic. The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.”Further, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean one or moreunless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to asingular form.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinaladjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe a commonobject, merely indicate that different instances of like objects arebeing referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects sodescribed must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, inranking, or in any other manner.

While certain implementations of the disclosed technology have beendescribed in connection with what is presently considered to be the mostpractical and various implementations, it is to be understood that thedisclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosedimplementations, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope ofthe appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, theyare used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

This written description uses examples to disclose certainimplementations of the disclosed technology, including the best mode,and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certainimplementations of the disclosed technology, including making and usingany devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. Thepatentable scope of certain implementations of the disclosed technologyis defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated vehicle cover and security system,the system comprising: a vehicle cover comprising a main cover panel, abottom edge, and a security cable, the main cover panel being configuredto at least partially cover a body of a vehicle with the bottom edgesurrounding the body of the vehicle when the vehicle cover is in anin-use configuration, the security cable being at least partiallyintegrated into a fabric of the bottom edge and having a first end and asecond end; a mechanical tensioning device configured to attach to afirst wheel of the vehicle comprising: a first cable attachment pointlocated proximate a front end of the first wheel; a second cableattachment point located proximate a back end of the first wheel; one ormore sprocket wheels comprising at least a first sprocket wheel; atensioning motor configured to apply a rotational force to the firstsprocket wheel; a drive chain configured to convert the rotational forceinto a linear force and apply the linear force to the first end of thesecurity cable such that the first end of the security cable is at leastpartially drawn into mechanical tensioning device; a load sensordisposed on a linking member connecting the first cable attachment pointto the drive chain, the load sensor being configured to monitor thetension placed on the security cable when the mechanical tensioningdevice is secured to the first wheel, the first end of the securitycable is attached to the first cable attachment point, and the secondend of the security cable is attached to the second cable attachmentpoint; one or more processors in communication with the mechanicaltensioning device; and a memory in communication with the one or moreprocessors and storing instructions, that when executed by the one ormore processors, are configured to cause the system to: receive, from afirst computing device, a first signal; transmit a second signal to thetensioning motor to tension the security cable to a predeterminedtension; monitor for a change in tension by the load sensor; responsiveto detecting the change in tension, generate one or more securitymeasures; and execute the one or more security measures.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein generating the one or more security measures furthercomprises generating, by the one or more processors, an alarm signal,and executing the one or more security measures further comprisestransmitting the alarm signal to a speaker connected to the one or moreprocessors and integrated into the mechanical tensioning device.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein generating the one or more security measuresfurther comprises generating, by the one or more processors, an alertmessage and executing the one or more security measures furthercomprises transmitting the alert message to a user device.
 4. The systemof claim 3, wherein the alert message is transmitted by short messageservice (SMS), e-mail, or combinations thereof and the alert messagecomprises global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the mechanicaltensioning device.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanicaltensioning device further comprises a plurality of wheel attachmentloops for attaching the mechanical tensioning device to the first wheelof the vehicle.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a vibrationsensing component configured to: monitor the mechanical tensioningdevice for a vibratory acceleration; determine that the vibratoryacceleration surpasses a predetermined acceleratory threshold; andtransmit the determination that the vibratory acceleration surpasses thepredetermined acceleratory threshold to the one or more processors,wherein generating the one or more security measures by the one or moreprocessors is performed responsive to the vibratory accelerationsurpassing the predetermined acceleratory threshold.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein: the first cable attachment point comprises a cableshuttle having a shuttle track disposed within the mechanical tensioningdevice and engaged to the first end of the security cable; and at thepredetermined tension the cable shuttle is at least partially drawn intothe mechanical tensioning device along the shuttle track.
 8. The systemof claim 1, further comprising an audiovisual recording component,wherein executing the one or more security measures further comprisescapturing an image, a series of images, or a video responsive to (i)detecting the change in tension.
 9. The system of claim 6, furthercomprising an audiovisual recording component, wherein executing the oneor more security measures further comprises capturing an image, a seriesof images, or a video responsive to (i) detecting the change in tensionor (ii) the vibratory acceleration surpassing the predeterminedacceleratory threshold.
 10. An integrated vehicle cover and securitysystem, the system comprising: a vehicle cover comprising a securitycable and a main cover panel configured to at least partially cover avehicle when the vehicle cover is in an in-use configuration, at least aportion of the security cable being housed within a lower chamber of themain cover panel, the lower chamber being configured to surround a bodyof the vehicle when the vehicle cover is in the in-use configuration,and the security cable having a first end and a second end; a mechanicaltensioning device configured to attach to a first wheel of the vehicle,comprising: a cable shuttle located proximate a front end of the firstwheel and configured to engage the first end of the security cable; ashuttle track disposed within the mechanical tensioning device andengaged to the cable shuttle; a cable attachment point located proximatea back end of the first wheel; at least one sprocket wheel comprising atleast a first sprocket wheel; a tensioning crank connected to the firstsprocket wheel and configured to apply a rotational force to the firstsprocket wheel; a drive chain engaged to the first sprocket wheel andconfigured to convert the rotational force into a linear force and applythe linear force to the cable shuttle via a linking member; a loadsensor disposed on the linking member and configured to monitor thetension placed on the security cable when the mechanical tensioningdevice is secured to the first wheel, the first end of the securitycable is attached to the cable shuttle, and the second end of thesecurity cable is attached to the cable attachment point; one or moreprocessors in communication with the mechanical tensioning device; and amemory in communication with the one or more processors and storinginstructions, that when executed by the one or more processors, areconfigured to cause the system to: receive, from the load sensor, anindication that the tensioning crank has caused the cable shuttle to bedrawn into the mechanical tensioning device along the shuttle track suchthat the security cable is tensioned to a predetermined tension; monitorfor a change in tension by the load sensor; responsive to detecting thechange in tension, generate one or more security measures; and executethe one or more security measures.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereingenerating the one or more security measures further comprisesgenerating, by the one or more processors, an alarm signal and executingthe one or more security measures further comprises transmitting thealarm signal to a speaker connected to the one or more processors andintegrated into the mechanical tensioning device.
 12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein generating the one or more security measures furthercomprises generating, by the one or more processors, an alert messageand executing the one or more security measures further comprisestransmitting the alert message to a user device.
 13. The system of claim12, wherein the alert message is transmitted by short message service(SMS), e-mail, or combinations thereof and the alert message comprisesglobal positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the mechanical tensioningdevice.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the mechanical tensioningdevice further comprises a plurality of wheel attachments loops forattaching the mechanical tensioning device to the first wheel of thevehicle.
 15. The system of claim 10, further comprising a vibrationsensing component configured to: monitor the mechanical tensioningdevice for a vibratory acceleration; determine that the vibratoryacceleration surpasses a predetermined acceleratory threshold; andtransmit the determination that the vibratory acceleration surpasses thepredetermined acceleratory threshold to the one or more processors,wherein generating the one or more security measures by the one or moreprocessors is performed responsive to the vibratory accelerationsurpassing the predetermined acceleratory threshold.
 16. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the vehicle cover further comprises a materialreinforced with Kevlar fibers, metallic fibers, or combinations thereof.17. The system of claim 10, further comprising an audiovisual recordingcomponent, wherein executing the one or more security measures furthercomprises capturing an image, a series of images, or a video responsiveto detecting the change in tension.
 18. An integrated vehicle cover andsecurity system, the system comprising: a vehicle cover comprising asecurity cable and a main cover panel configured to cover at least anupper portion of a vehicle when the vehicle cover is in an in-useconfiguration, the main cover panel having a bottom edge that surroundsa body of the vehicle when the vehicle cover is in the in-useconfiguration, the bottom edge being attachable to the security cable,and the security cable having a first end and a second end; and amechanical tensioning device comprising: one or more wheel attachmentloops for attaching the mechanical tensioning device to a first wheel ofthe vehicle; a cable shuttle located proximate a front end of the firstwheel configured to engage the first end of the security cable; ashuttle track disposed within the mechanical tensioning device andengaged to the cable shuttle; a cable attachment point located proximatea back end of the first wheel; at least one sprocket wheel comprising atleast a first sprocket wheel; a tensioning crank connected to the firstsprocket wheel and configured to apply a rotational force to the firstsprocket wheel; a drive chain engaged to the first sprocket wheel andconfigured to convert the rotational force into a linear force and applythe linear force to the cable shuttle via a linking member to tensionthe security cable such that the cable shuttle is at least partiallydrawn into the mechanical tensioning device along the shuttle track; amechanical bi-stable device disposed on the linking member andconfigured to provide an indication when the security cable is at apredetermined tension when the mechanical tensioning device is securedto the first wheel, the first end of the security cable is attached tothe cable shuttle, and the second end of the security cable is attachedto the cable attachment point.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein themain cover panel comprises a reinforced fiber material.
 20. The systemof claim 18, further comprising a locking mechanism configured toprevent the tensioning crank from rotating the first sprocket wheel whenthe locking mechanism is engaged to the tensioning crank.